Bearing up during a steamy Alabama summer can be hard enough for anybody, especially if he's wearing a heavy fur coat.

But what if that coat isn't something you can remove? That's what it can feel like for the animal occupants of the Birmingham Zoo's primate house. Hot, humid days find Danielle Williams and other keepers working to keep the animals comfortable.

"It's mainly about keeping a close watch on them," said Williams, a keeper for 5½ years.

The zoo is home to many species from diverse climates. Primates, for example, are mainly tropical animals accustomed to a higher range of temperatures.

At the primate house, the animals have access to the open air or can find cool places inside. Fans and misters that cool the air by spritzing out water are used to help keep the temperature manageable, Williams said.

Like the children who visit them, the animals tend to like frozen treats in hot weather. That can mean popsicles or frozen fruit, or just pieces of ice. Lemurs occasionally get bamboo pieces to chew with frozen treats inside.

"You have to find what works with each species," Williams said.

Care is also different for very young and old animals. But keepers must rely on constant observation to spot how the animals are handling the weather. Signs the heat may be getting to an animal are similar to signs in human beings. Some animals cope with hot weather by lying around and conserving energy, just as they would in the wild. Keepers become concerned when they see signs of lethargic motion, or a change in sleeping positions. For example, healthy primates tend to sleep upright.

Williams also helps watch over the kangaroos and the anteater, which respond differently to some warm weather measures. The anteater likes the misting machine, since the moisture tends to make insects come to the surface, providing a welcome snack.

"The anteater does not like the fan, though," Williams said. "When w e turned it on, he got out of the way. It's definitely not his preference."

Other animals have natural ways of fighting the heat. Snow monkeys, obviously used to a cooler climate, tend to dunk their heads in the water. The zoo's elephants use their trunks to pick up dirt and scatter it on their backs in order to keep cool. Ajani, the newest pachyderm, has been testing out the Trails of Africa's watering holes by going for a swim. Rhinos and elephants, as well as other animals, also get regular spray baths and skin care.

It's also important for the keepers themselves to stay ahead of the heat. That's why visitors to the zoo might see some of the spray meant for the animals "accidentally" hitting the keepers.

"Most of us try to keep hydrated regularly," Williams said. "You'll usually find us having lunch in a nice cool place, and when we have really physical projects, we tend to celebrate like the animals with popsicles. You'll see a refrigerator in the primate house with animal food, and one with people food."